James McDonald guides Astronomix to victory

Astronomix continued his impressive climb through the racing ranks with a powerful finish on the outside to capture the Happy Retirement Lynne McLean Handicap (1300m).

Star jockey James McDonald, who is poised to equal a record with his eighth successive Sydney jockeys' premiership and 10th overall, had not participated in a Sydney Saturday race meeting since the All Aged Stakes Day in mid-April.

His last ride in Sydney was actually at a midweek meeting at Canterbury on May 27, a result of travel for interstate and international engagements.

McDonald's expertise was on full display aboard Astronomix ($3.90), as the developing three-year-old powerfully reeled in the gutsy leader Nullarbor Jane close to the finish, winning by a length. Aisle Two ($10) claimed third place, trailing by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

Lady Invictus, which had been backed into $3.30 favouritism, seemed to have every chance but ultimately finished in fifth position.

The win elevated Astronomix's record to three victories and three placings from six starts, with the jockey suggesting more wins are likely.

"He's a young horse with a lovely presence about him," McDonald stated. "He has been so well handled, so well educated, and he was strong to the line today. I don't think he's any world-beater but he tries very hard in his races."

Astronomix's victory marked the second win for trainers John O'Shea and Tom Charlton on the day, following the earlier success of the two-year-old Scintillation.

"We like him, he's a very genuine young racehorse," O'Shea said of Astronomix. "He's only lightly raced, he gives his all but we feel he can only keep improving."

Prior to this, Leovanni had also extended her winning streak, securing her third consecutive win in the TAB Highway (1800m).

Leovanni initially struggled to achieve her maiden victory, notching up eight minor placings before finally breaking through at Tamworth. Since then, she has gone on to win consecutive Randwick TAB Highways over 1600m and 1800m.

The Cameron Crockett-trained Leovanni ($7) settled on pace, advanced to the lead around the bend, and proceeded to win comfortably by three-quarters of a length from Maples ($5.50). Moon Sweeper ($2.35 favourite) finished a long neck behind in third.

"I thought she probably should have been favourite today," Crockett remarked. "But when you have an Arrowfield horse (Maples) and one of Matt Dunn's (Moon Sweeper) then I don't mind being third favourite. If we win it doesn't make any difference."

"As soon as Alysha Collett got up outside the leader I was worried that maybe she might over-race. But when she relaxed and half switched off then I thought she won't let any of them pass her as I know how tough she is."

Bet on the racing markets and see if other contenders can match Astronomix's performance next time out.